The Calgary Central Library was transformed into a stage of raw emotion and powerful storytelling as Family Advocates Canada returned with the second edition of its Musical Dinner Theatre. The production, featuring a stellar cast and live music, blended drama, song, and cultural wisdom into a performance that left audiences deeply moved.

At the heart of the play stood the griot beneath the Baobab tree, weaving stories of resilience, family, and hope. Each scene peeled back the complex realities of immigrant families adjusting to life in Canada, marriages strained by cultural shifts, children navigating identity, and parents struggling to hold homes together. Immigration, as the play revealed, carries with it both dreams of opportunity and the quiet fractures of adaptation.

The cast, starring Linda Kee, Michael Savage, Samuel Kugbiyi, Ibironke Wickliffe, Amanda Nothando, Kunle Oju, and Ife Adingupu, brought these stories to life with conviction and grace. Their performances, elevated by music curated by award-winning saxophonist Perpie, drew laughter, tears, and reflection in equal measure.

“This isn’t just theatre, it’s advocacy,” said Ife Adingupu, founder of Family Advocates Canada. “Research from the University of Calgary shows that one in three immigrants experience domestic violence or family disruption within two to five years of landing in Canada. That is real. We see it every day in the work we do. So, we asked ourselves, what can we do to help? And that’s how our programs and now this theatre initiative came to be.”

Family Advocates Canada runs workshops on marriage, parenting, youth mentorship, and men’s mental health, offering safe spaces for connection and healing. For Adingupu, the stage has become an extension of that mission.

“People aren’t always doing the work in their marriages,” he explained. “Last year’s play ended on a hopeful note, a young couple finding their way. But this year, we needed to tell a harder truth. If you don’t do the work, relationships break. The stage is where we show what’s happening in our community, so people can recognize it and take steps to change.”

The expressive arts program, now a cornerstone of the Family Advocates’ outreach, was born from a friend’s suggestion. Though the team had no actors, no script, and no funding at the start, they pressed forward. “We wrote something simple and started asking around. Before long, we had a director, a cast, and a show. It proved what we’ve always believed, when the cause is right, the support comes,” said Adingupu.

His wife and co-founder, Dr. Dami Adingupu, echoed the urgency of the work: “When we say one in three immigrants end up in domestic violence or family disruption, that’s not just a number. That’s our neighbor, our family, our friend. Back home, seeking help may be seen as shameful. But here, we must unlearn that. Getting help is strength.”

The production struck a chord not only with audiences but also with its cast. “After weeks of rehearsals, learning lines, music and choreography, then a two-day performance, my heart is so full,” wrote actor Amanda Nothando on her Facebook page. “To the passionate cast and crew, what a divine connection! And above all, glory to God. Without Him, none of this would be possible.”

Kunle Oju, another actor and the director of the play, added: “The Family Advocates have a very important message to help immigrant families thrive. Anytime they call, we answer. The stage will always be home to me, and being part of this journey was amazing.”

Though Family Advocates Canada operates without federal funding, relying largely on provincial arts support and donations, the impact of their work is undeniable. Their call is simple: for families to “do the work,” for communities to spread awareness, and for organizations to support their mission.

“This is about more than theatre,” Ife Adingupu concluded. “It’s about saving homes, protecting children, and giving immigrants the tools to thrive. If we can use art to spark that change, then we’ve done something meaningful.”

For more information on their programs, visit www.familyadvocates.ca.

Story Written By Nico Abote:

Nico is an award winning filmmaker, media professional, creative strategist, lead consultant at Abote Media and co-founder of 263 Africa Media. With over 20 years of experience spanning Africa and North America, he specializes in digital storytelling, content strategy, and film production.
Nico currently serves on several boards including LOUD Art Society (Calgary, CA), TEF (Nigeria), Chengeto Africa (Southern Africa), Blackstar Int. Film Festival (Ghana), Zimbabwe Fashion Week, and Hunhu Council of Fashion (Zimbabwe). He advocates for positive & uplifting narratives through media and the arts.